Jersey historical child abuse inquiry under way

Jersey’s Inquiry into allegations of historical child abuse has begun its public hearings.

Chair of the Panel, Frances Oldham QC, gave her opening address at the Inquiry’s St Helier base, and made a plea for witnesses to come forward.

Frances Oldham QC said, “We need to hear your voice. We are here to help the healing process which needs to take place across the whole community.”

She also stressed the independence of the Inquiry, saying, “We are independent of the States of Jersey, of the Police or any other organisation or individual. We are not partisan, we favour no particular group.”

Harriet Jerram, legal counsel to the Inquiry, repeated the call for witnesses to get in touch. She said, “This is your chance to put your version of events, to tell your story and to right any wrongs of the past.”

She added, “An inquiry is only as good as the evidence it hears. We are here to investigate, without fear or favour, how the most basic of care for children is alleged to have broken down.”

The police and government departments are expected to give their views on the island’s care system over the next two days.

Next week, expert witnesses such as professors in child care will give evidence in order to set the scene and put into context the history of Jersey’s care system.

The Inquiry will hear from those who suffered abuse as children, those who worked in the care system or who had contact with child care.